Sony WH-1000XM6
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
These headphones are widely praised for their superb sound quality, balanced audio, and excellent value for the price, making them a top choice for both casual listening and professional studio work. However, a significant number of users report durability issues, particularly with the ear pads and headband padding flaking or disintegrating after a year or two of use. Some also mention a tight clamping force that can become uncomfortable over time, and the Bluetooth model has occasional firmware or battery problems. Overall, the audio performance is exceptional, but prospective buyers should be aware of the potential longevity concerns.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Balanced and clear audio
- Great value for the price
- Excellent passive noise isolation
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Ear pad peeling/disintegration
- Headband padding flaking
- Tight clamping force
- Plastic hinge breakage risk
- Bluetooth freezing issues
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.28 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | faux-leather |
| Headband | synthetic leather | professional-grade material |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 15 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 28 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 99 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codecs | LDAC | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) with Carrying Case, 6Ave Cleaning Kit and 1-Year |
| Surround | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 3 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong comfort (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Sony WH-1000XM6
No current pricing available
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 41 specs.
